Page 37

37

IKE

“Isla,” I whispered, brushing my thumb over the apple of her cheek.

She was out, but that wasn’t surprising. The cold was bad, but the lack of water and food was worse. By my best estimate, we’d been in here almost four days. And frankly, we were lucky we were still alive. Our oxygen had slowly been vanishing, but I hadn’t mentioned that. I figured it was bad enough that we didn’t have enough water to survive. There was no need to let her know that the lack of oxygen would kill us sooner rather than later.

Struggling to my feet, I stumbled over to the doors, my body heavy with exhaustion. I didn’t know if I had anything left in me to give, but if there was even a chance I could get us out of here, I would give my last breath to see Isla live. I picked up the piece of wood from the pallet, holding it in my cracked and splintered hands. Even holding it at waist level was nearly impossible.

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes as I drew on the last of my strength. I couldn’t give up—not yet. Not while there was still a chance I could get Isla out of here. I pulled back and swung with all my might, slamming the wood into the door. Vibrations shook my arms, but I kept going, kept drawing on what little strength I had.

Over and over, I slammed that wood into the door. I knew there were dents in the metal. I could feel it as I ran my hand over the interior. But it wasn’t enough. Not even a sliver of light pierced the door. I kept going until my legs could barely hold me. And when the wood fell from my fingers, I stumbled into the door, ramming my shoulder against it. Pain shattered my left shoulder, leaving it limp and dangling at my side.

I bent over, sucking in dry air, my throat scratchy and coated with dust. I glanced at the door again and flung myself at it, but this time, my legs buckled and my body gave out, collapsing to the ground. My head lolled to the side and Isla’s limp body swayed in my vision. I held out my hand as if I could reach her, wishing I hadn’t left her side.

“Isla,” I called out, my voice nothing more than a whisper.

My eyes drooped and my hand fell to the cold metal floor. I needed to get to her, to hold her like I promised. But my body wouldn’t move. I pried my eyes open one last time and murmured her name just as the last tea light died.